A bollard is a tall post that blocks vehicular traffic from entering restricted roads or pedestrian areas. These sturdy barriers protect buildings and people from accidents or intentional vehicle crash-ins, and they come in many shapes, sizes, and styles to meet different site requirements. Choosing the right bollard for your space depends on what type of protection you want, as well as your aesthetic preferences.
Modern bollards are often sculpted to fit in with a design or city landscape, and they can be built from a wide variety of materials. Some are even made from recycled plastics and other materials to be more environmentally conscious. They are also designed to withstand the force of vehicles, including trucks and cars.
Originally, bollards were not simple posts and were rarely used for traffic management, but they were placed along the piers of harbors and boat docks to assist with tying up ships. They were later used to mark boundaries for streets and parking lots, but after the Oklahoma bombing and 9/11, governmental buildings started installing bollards to prevent terrorist attacks. These high-impact, crushproof bollards are usually rated with either the IBC (International Building Code) or ASTM crash rating system. These ratings use an involved formula that takes into account the speed of the vehicle, its weight and size, and other factors to determine how much force a bollard will need to stop it.
Low-impact bollards, on the other hand, can be used to delineate a parking lot or limit access to certain entrances. These types of barriers are typically made from concrete, metal or a combination of both and can easily stop smaller cars at regular traffic speeds. They may not be able to bring a car to a complete stop, but they will still cause significant damage to the vehicle.
Some bollards are even designed for cycling purposes, allowing users to lock their bicycles to the post and then leave them there without worry about theft or collision with cars. These bollards are a great way to attract cyclists, and they can help increase the safety of pedestrian zones, too.
Depending on your needs, you might want to choose an illuminated bollard that lights up the area around it, especially if you are using it to mark a pedestrian pathway. These lights can help make the bollard more noticeable to inattentive drivers who might otherwise miss it or accidentally drive into it.
The plethora of bollards available means you can find one that is perfect for your project, whether you are designing a new road in the middle of a bustling city or looking to secure an entrance to a corporate headquarters. With a little bit of research, you can find the ideal bollard for your needs. If you have any questions, our safety experts can point you in the right direction. Visit McCue today or give us a call to learn more about what we can do for you and your business.